'I don't want the boys or my husband to see me die a little sad old lady': Inspirational Lynda Bellingham opens up about her brave decision to end chemotherapy

And now 66-year-old Lynda Bellingham has spoken out about her brave choice to end chemotherapy so the precious time she has left with her family, including husband Michael Pattemore, 59, can be enjoyed.

Opening up on the BBC Breakfast show in Manchester on Tuesday, the respected television personality said she made her decision to end the treatment on August 13.

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Inspirational... Lynda Bellingham was accompanied by her husband Michael Pattemore to the BBC studios in Media City, Manchester on Tuesday for her appearance on the BBC Breakfast show

‘The decision to give up chemo was a huge relief because I took back some control of myself.' Adding that she has the option to resume treatment if her health improves, Lynda said: 'It's there on the table if I want it.'

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Adding: ‘I don't want the boys or my husband to see me die a little sad old lady. I want to go out there as I am.'

Opening up on why she recently only revealed that she is dying recently, Lynda said: 'It's taken my husband and I and my sons and my stepson and my stepdaughter a year to absorb that I'm going to die. That's why I never wanted to talk about it.'

Lynda has two grown sons, Michael and Robbie, from her second marriage to Nunzio Peluso, along with two stepchildren.

And while they may have all come to terms with it, Lynda admitted she is terrified of death.

Making the most of her time: The star said she will end chemotherapy in November so she can spend quality time with her two sons and husband

Frank and honest: 'The decision to give up chemo was a huge relief because I took back some control of myself. It's there on the table if I want it,' Lynda said

Speaking about the 'terrible scary moments' during the night when she thinks about saying her final farewells, Lynda said: ' I just don't want that moment of saying goodbye.

'So let's talk about it, let's hug each other, let's cry, let's do all that and then there'll never be that awful moment - hopefully you'll go to sleep and that will be it.'

Bellingham - who is looking forward to one last Christmas with her family - also revealed that she almost died over the festive period last year.

She said: 'I nearly died at Christmas because I had a perforated colon...And you deal with the operation, you deal with hospital. I got over that and thought this is marvellous, I've got through this operation but oh no I've got to deal with the cancer now.'

Happy to be there! The 66-year-old was in great spirits and chatted to the crowd of adoring fans

The defiant star was accompanied to the Media City studios with husband Michael Pattemore.

The pair linked arms as they made their way in with Lynda was in great spirits, happily chatting to fans and posing for selfies.

She plans to stop chemotherapy for good in November, expecting to pass away early next year.

She wants to die at home, and Michael has booked neighbouring plots for him and her at a Somerset cemetery. Her funeral is all taken care of, with Lynda asking her loved ones to have a big party after the service.

A brave move: ‘I don't want the boys or my husband to see me die a little sad old lady. I want to go out there as I am'

She's a fan favourite! The Country House Sunday presenter posed for a selfie with a well-wisher